This is a very interesting compilation of school information and resources for many areas. The public schools in Calvert receive such accolades that this frequently is the reason I will be told up front that a family is moving to Calvert County.

When a family is moving there seem to be just a couple most important questions when looking or a new place to live: "Is it safe place?" and "Are the schools good?". "Learning" new school systems can be confusing, however, it's inevitable. Since I have kids in school age, their education is and has always been front and center of my 'moving' research. To help you along, I would like to provide you with the following information that I have assembled just for YOU, the concerned parent!

A school choice is certainly something very personal, what is great for one parent is not acceptable for another. Ask around in your neighborhood, ask friends who live where you consider moving, talk to the district, the principal, then make up your own mind. I am very happy so say that there are lots of choices for your kids's education in Colorado Springs.

Choose:

a public school within your school district

a public school outside your school district

a charter school

a magnet school

a private school

a virtual school

to teach at home

Your child/children can attend a

1. Public School within your School District Your child can, of course, attend the schools within the school district of your residence. This is probably the simplest solution. However, if your district school is considered a Title I school,that has been identified by the state for school improvement, corrective action, or restructuring, you can choose to send your child to another public school. This can be pretty expensive for the affected school districts as they will have to pay for the bus transportation of those students that choose to go to a different school. For more information:

2. Public School in another School District Here is where things get a little more difficult. Some districts let you transfer to a different school, provided that the school of your choice has space for out of district students. The decision by which this choice is made by the school differ wildly – it can go be a first come, first serve option or a lottery. For more information:

3. Charter School Nationally, there are about 3,000 charter schools. Charter schools are public schools that operate with freedom from many of the local and state regulations that apply to traditional public schools. Charter schools may include grades K-12, or any combination, and can have areas of specialization, such as music or technology. They can’t charge tuition and, though youngsters apply to the facility, students may not be screened out based on race, religion, sex or test scores. Are charter schools better than public schools? Though it seems the general opinion it is not always the case. Even charter school have mixed a mixed performance in state tests. That said, some statistics seem prove that while the charter schools aren’t always the centers of innovation, they have improved weaker students’ scores faster than their public counter parts. Again, research is absolutely necessary. For more information:

4. Magnet SchoolMagnet schools differ from Charter schools in that they remain part of the public school system and operate under the same public school administration. Distinguishing them from other public schools, Magnet schools usually have alternative or otherwise compelling modes of instruction. For example, you might find a Montessori Magnet school. A school doesnâ€™t have to be a Magnet school to be a Montessori School. They receive more funding than public schools and can therefore spend more money on students and programs. For more information:

6. Virtual schoolsDoDEA (Dept. of Education Activity) offers a virtual high schools for qualifying dependents of military families. There are several other states that offer virtual schools (ie. North Carolina). There is Connectionsacademy.com which states that it is free public school online. There are 21 US states that are participating in this program. It looks very interesting. Why would you choose a virtual online school? Maybe your child is gifted and your local public school is not providing services for your child. Maybe your child is differently abled and your school does not provide the support needed? Maybe an illness prevents your child from going to school? There are plenty of reasons – it’s good to know that the option is there for you. 6. choose to teach at home It’s just that – teach at home, WITH your child. Maybe you choose the virtual school in connection? For more information:

Federal Resources

For information on No Child Left Behind and the U.S. Department of Education, call toll-free at 1-800-USA-LEARN. Or check the first two Web sites given below. No Child Left Behind www.ed.gov/nclb/ U.S.Department of Education www.ed.gov The White House www.whitehouse.gov

State and Local Resources

To locate a State Education Agency: nces.ed.gov/ccd/ Note: The State Education Agency Web site should also provide links to local education agencies’ Web sites. To locate a particular school, use the Nation-wide School Locator: nces.ed.gov/globallocator/